TU17: The Biology of Motivation and Habits: Why We Drop the Ball

Join our mailing list here!

IN THIS EPISODE:

Biology of Motivation and Habits: Why We Drop the Ball

Understanding Research Behind Motivation and Habits

Even when it is so important to us, why is it that it’s so hard to follow through when we are trying to make or break habits? In this episode, we discuss research and biology around why it is so hard to change our patterns and stick to the goals we set for ourselves.

How we view our goals significantly impacts how we behave and the decisions we make. In general, people tend to have elevated levels of motivation and aspirations when we are planning for a ‘new start’ or considering our future self. However, we tend to minimize the obstacles that will get in our way.

In this episode, we discuss why ignoring these obstacles is a big factor to our “dropping the ball,” why we tend to do it, and how our brain “chunks” patterns of behavior into well-worn habits that require very minimal thinking and decision-making along the way. Our brains are highly trained to focus first on survival…not on our higher aspirational selves. Developing strategies to tune into your higher, value-driven self may be just what we need to help move out of automation and accomplish goals that are so important to ourselves.

Learn about our neurochemical reward system, habituation and satiation systems so that you can hack your biology.

Join our email list at www.therapistuncensored.com to access our private online Facebook community supporting the dissemination of the relational sciences to support healthy connections and relationships around the world!

Explore More

Learn 3 distinct features that make one vulnerable to addiction and understand the varied dynamics through the lens of attachment with guests Brad Kennedy and Dr. Vanessa Kennedy. By getting curious about our behaviors and understanding why we do what we do, we can begin shifting our narrative from one of shame to one of compassion.

Have you ever just sat back and observed a small child as they learn something new? There is this profound sense of awe and wonder with each new discovery they make. Kids are naturally curious. As adults, we tend to take what we know about the world for granted. But, through the eyes of a child, the world is an exciting mystery just waiting to be discovered! What if we told you that it is possible to experience that childlike curiosity in your day-to-day life, starting right now? What if we also told you that curiosity is one of the most …

It's hard enough to unfold yourself in therapy, but when your life experience has challenged you, avoidance is sure to follow. It is difficult to open up if you found safety in being cloaked - but that cloak can clog up our current adult relationships. Dang it! Sorry to tell you what we imagine you already know. :) Gotta lose the cloak, friend!

Get a free audiobook here and a free 30 day trial to Audible! Exclusively for Therapist Uncensored listeners